Knee rehabilitation device

ABSTRACT

A rehabilitation device that has a foot support with a width that substantially covers the arch of a patient&#39;s foot. The foot support has a closure system that allows the support to snugly receive and support the foot. The device has at least one strap detachably attached to the foot support, the strap comprising a fastener to allow a loop to be formed in the length of the strap. The device is operated by pulling the foot toward the knee to increase range of motion after knee injury.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Patent application No. 60/739,167, filed Nov. 25, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Knee injuries are an unfortunate byproduct of today's emphasis on sports and physical fitness; however, effective surgical techniques have been developed to repair injuries such as to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other components of the knee. In addition, many members of our aging population are candidates for total knee replacement surgery because of disease and/or injury. All of these surgical procedures must be followed by a period of rehabilitation in order for recovery to be complete. Furthermore, some injuries to the knee may not require surgery but instead may require an extensive rehabilitation period. Such rehabilitation generally requires that the knee be flexed and the leg be extended such as occurs in normal walking; however, it is frequently undesirable for a recovering patient to bear weight on his leg while rehabilitating his knee. In addition, when a knee has suffered a trauma or other injury, or after surgery, a person often lacks the necessary muscle control, strength or will to flex his knee and straighten his leg.

It is known that regular exercise to restore your knee mobility and strength and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery. For example, after a total knee replacement a physical therapist is assigned to the patient to bring back the mobility of the knee function. This is done, in part, by the therapist to stretch the tendons and the ligaments to normal flexibility.

One such exercise is known as bed-supported knee bends, where a patient bends his or her knee as much as possible while sliding their foot on the bed. Typically, the patient will hold their knee in a maximally bent position for 5 to 10 seconds and then straighten. This is repeated several times until your leg feels fatigued or until they can completely bend their knee.

Another exercise is assisted knee bends, where a patient lies on his or her back, places a folded towel or sheet over the operated or injured knee, and dropping the towel to your foot. The knee is bended and pressure is gradually applied through the towel to increase the bend. The position is typically held for 5 to 10 seconds and repeated until the patient is fatigued.

However, there are problems with this method. For example, conducting knee exercises with a towel or sheet provides a user with a lack of support around the foot, and the exercise itself is much less controlled. Additionally, a danger exists that the towel can slip from around the knee and cause the knee to return to an extended position too quickly, which can cause pain and even damage to the knee.

Consequently, there is a need for a rehabilitation device that can be used to mobilize the joint over period of time as a part of the orthopedic care which follows an injury, illness or surgical procedure.

Several devices are known in the art that provide for knee-bending functions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,605,792, to Simmons, discloses an exercise device that comprises conjoined slippers that are attached to a pair of adjustable straps. This device cannot be used with methods of the present invention at least because this device is designed to exercise the two legs together, particularly for waistline reducing exercises. This device cannot support a foot for knee rehabilitation exercises.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,767, to Hamm, discloses a therapeutic device for relieving tension or spasms in the lower back. It comprises a foot engaging part having an upper portion and a lower portion for forming a foot engaging enclosure. It further comprises a securing strap to be placed around a user's leg. The straps are attached to, or make up part of, the foot receiving portion and are connection to the leg piece. This device, geared toward stretching, is not suitable for the flexing exercises of the present invention.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0180767, to Carmell et al. discloses an exercise device that comprises a resistance tube that can be secured to a portion of the user's body. Like the '767 patent discussed above, this device is not suitable for controlled, knee flexing exercises.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,258 to Emlaw discloses a stretch exercise system that comprises a strap. The strap has a loop to receive a shoe on a user's foot. The system in place to adjust this loop to receive a user's shoe is not easily adjustable. Additionally, the strap/handle system is not a s user friendly as the one of the present invention. Many of the same deficiencies are applicable concerning the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,418 to Sheeler, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,930 to Kroke.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,844, to Azar, discloses a shoe-like foot support that comprises a stiff bottom and wheels, so that the foot can roll along the floor. There are many disadvantages to this system, including the fact that it would not work well on many surfaces, including a bed.

In view of the deficiencies in the devices described above, it is easily appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new more versatile exercise/rehabilitation device which is hand portable, easy to handle and to use in the process of human rehabilitation. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a rehabilitation device that assists in the rehabilitation of the knee and that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices. The devices of the present invention help increase knee mobility following surgery, injury or other physical condition. The device is particularly useful in rehabilitation following knee surgery.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for the rehabilitation of the knee that is safe and simple to use in a wide range of applications in the physical rehabilitation process.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable rehabilitation device that is easy to use and accommodates the physical conditions of all users.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rehabilitation device for the knee that stabilizes the foot during an exercise.

One embodiment of the present invention is a knee rehabilitation device that comprises a foot support. To help ensure proper support of the foot, the foot support should have a width that substantially covers the arch of a patient's foot. Also, the foot support has a closure device that allows the support to adjustably and snugly receive and support the foot. Hook and loop fasteners are good examples of the types of closures that can be used with this and other embodiments. Also, this embodiment comprises at least one strap detachably attached to the foot support. The strap comprising a fastener to allow a loop to be formed in the length of the strap.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a medical device for knee flexing and rehabilitation that has an adjustable foot cradle to snugly engage and support the arch of a user's foot, a first elongate handle that terminates with a loop to be gripped by a user's hand, and a second elongate handle that terminates in a loop to be gripped by a user's hand. The two loops can be gripped and used to pull the foot toward the user's body with arm strength.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of performing knee rehabilitation, comprising providing a rehabilitation device as described herein, snugly securing the support around the users foot by hook and loop attachment, and then using arm strength to pull the strap in a manner that causes the foot to move toward the user's body. This movement causes the knee to flex, and imparts flexibility to an injured knee.

Of course, other objects, advantages, embodiments, etc., of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. That is, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings show an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments present in the drawings are for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.

FIG. 1 is perspective view showing the bottom surface of the foot support and straps.

FIG. 2 is perspective view showing the top surface of the foot support and straps.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the foot support snugly attached to a user's foot.

FIG. 4 is perspective view showing the foot support snugly attached to a user's foot, and showing the straps attached to the foot support. Loops have been formed in the straps, and the device as pictured here is ready for use as a rehabilitation device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 4, with the exception that the straps are connected to form one loop, allowing the rehabilitation exercise to be performed with one hand.

FIG. 6 shows the device on operation, with the patient lying on their back, and the knee joint being slightly flexed.

FIG. 7 shows the same exercise as FIG. 6, but the knee is further flexed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, an embodiment of the present invention is a device to assist in the rehabilitation of an knee injury. One example is a knee rehabilitation device that comprises a foot support, or cradle, with a width that substantially covers the arch of a patient's foot, the foot support comprising a foot support closure that allows the support to adjustably and snugly receive and support the foot; and at least one strap detachably attached to the foot support, the strap comprising a fastener to allow a loop to be formed in the length of the strap.

One embodiment of the present invention is a device for rehabilitating a knee injury that comprises a soft, flexible band with, in some embodiments, a comfortable fabric on the inside and leather on the outside, that wraps around a foot and is secured by hook and loop fasteners. The embodiment further comprises two straps that are attached to the foot wrap. The free ends of the straps have handle loops that can be grasped by the user hands individually, or the two straps can be joined to form one continuous loop that can be grasped by the user, allowing one-handed operation. The device rehabs the knee and increases flexibility of the joint when the straps are pulled by the user, causing the foot to be pulled toward the buttocks.

Another embodiment of the invention is a medical device to aid in rehabilitation of the knee following injury, or an operation, including total joint arthroplasty. The device's use is designed to minimize pain and discomfort by assisting the patient, who lies supine on a surface such as a bed, floor, or mat, in producing a controlled, passive flexion of the knee that is useful in regaining range of motion and flexibility.

In embodiments, the device may comprise a soft, flexible band made of fabric on the inside portion and a strong material, such as leather, on the outside portion of the band. The device of this embodiment wraps around the instep and snugly adjusts to the size of the foot by hook and loop fasteners. Two straps attach to the foot wrap. At the opposite ends of the straps are fastening devises, such as snaps, that allow for a user to modify the formation of loops, so that the patient can grasp and maneuver a strap with each hand, or fasten the two straps together to for one continuous loop, so that the device can be operated with one hand.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an example of a device 10 of the present invention. The foot support, or cradle 15 receives the foot. In embodiments, the cradle is of sufficient width to cover a width on the patient's foot of about the width of the arch. One advantage of the present invention is providing a device that is comfortable, and snugly and securely receives the foot. The secure fit also assists in providing a controlled and safe exercise routine.

When in use, the bottom surface 27 of the device is in direct contact with the patient's foot. Therefore, it is advantageous that it is comprises of a material that is comfortable. In embodiments, the bottom surface is a fleece or fleece-like material. Also, cotton, suede, or polyester (including the wicking fabrics that are routinely used in high performance sports apparel) can be used. An advantage of the present invention is that it can be used with the shoe of the patient on or off. Because of swelling that may occur following surgery, for comfort purposes, many times the present invention is expected to be used with the patient's shoe off. A fastening device 25 provides the device of the present invention with snug adjustability. In the figure, a hook and loop fastening device is shown.

The device 10 comprises a handle, or strap 18, which allows the patient to pull the foot toward the patient's body, providing the knee with the needed flexing action. In the figures, a second strap 20 is shown, which is helpful in providing the patient the option of using both hands when performing exercises with the device of the present invention. As is noted in the figures, the straps comprises fasteners 24, which allow a loop to be formed in the end of the strap. The loop assist in pulling the engaged foot.

FIG. 2 shows the upper surface 28 of the same device 10. To impart strength to the device, the upper surface is typically made of a strong material. Examples include leather or a leather-like material. One of ordinary skill in the art would have a clear understanding that many various materials could be used. As examples, the materials used are typically those that provide strength (upper surface) and comfort (lower surface), and also provide for easy cleaning. In embodiments of the present invention, the device is machine washable.

With the top surface, hook and loop fastener 26 that mates with the lower surface fastener 25 is shown. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the straps 20, 18, are connected to the device with fasteners 22 that allow for easy and quick connection with the device. Shown are plastic quick-type fasteners. However, it should be obvious that the type of fasteners should not be critical to the practice of the present invention. For example, examples of the fasteners that may be used are plastic buckles of different style, rectangle rings, round D rings, ladder locks, triangle rings, side release buckles, snap hooks, revolving snap hooks, studs, cord locks, double rings, press buckles, bonnie buckles, twist locks, school bag buckles, etc.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show the device 10 engaging a foot of the patient 8. A secure fit is achieved with the hook and loop fastening device 26. In FIG. 3, the device is shown without the handles or straps. The handle fasteners 22 shown in the drawings quickly and easily receive and hold the handles. In FIG. 4, the handles 18, 20 are attached to the device 10. The loop fasteners 24 are engaged to form loops at the end of the handles. The loops assist in gripping the handles and in pulling the device (and foot) to the patient's body. In FIG. 5, the loop fasteners 24 are used to join both handles 18, 20 together to form one loop. This option may be desired if the patient desires to use one had to operate the device. For exemplary purposes, all of the handle/strap fasteners are not engaged in the figure. A patient can use all the available fasteners for increase strap strength, ease of use, etc.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of the device in use. Generally speaking, an embodiment of the present invention is a method of performing knee rehabilitation. The method comprises providing a size-wise adjustable foot support that substantially engages the arch of a patient's foot, and at least one elongate strap detachably attached to the foot support, the strap comprising a loop to allow a user to firmly grip the strap; snugly securing the support around the users foot by hook and loop attachment; pulling the strap in a manner that causes the foot to move toward the user's body; causing the knee to flex. In the figures, the patient 8 is on their back, and uses the straps 18, 20 to pull the device 10, with the engaged foot, providing a flexing motion to the knee.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. All such publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Various changes in the details, steps and materials that have been described may be made by those skilled in the art within the principles and scope of the invention herein illustrated and defined in the appended claims. Therefore, while the present invention has been shown and described herein in what is believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures can be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and methods. 

1. A knee rehabilitation device, comprising: a foot support with a width that substantially covers the arch of a patient's foot, the foot support comprising a foot support closure that allows the support to adjustably and snugly receive and support the foot; and at least one strap detachably attached to the foot support, the strap comprising a fastener to allow a loop to be formed in the length of the strap.
 2. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the foot support is comprised of machine-washable materials.
 3. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the foot support has an inside surface that includes a soft material to provide comfort to the patient's foot, and an outer surface comprising a durable material to impart strength and durability to the foot support.
 4. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 3, wherein the inner surface comprises fleece or a fleece material, and the outer surface comprises leather or a leather material.
 5. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the foot support closure is a strip of hook and loop fastening material.
 6. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the foot support is adjustable to snugly receive feet of various sizes and shapes by hook and loop fastening material attached to the surface of the support.
 7. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.
 8. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein the strap is detachably attached to the support by a fastener or buckle.
 9. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 8, wherein the fastener is a plastic quick-release-style fastener.
 10. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein two straps are detachably attached to the foot support, and the straps comprise fasteners to allow for the formation of loops in the ends of the straps, and allow the two straps to be joined as a single loop.
 11. The knee rehabilitation device of claim 10, wherein the strap fasteners are snaps.
 12. The knee rehabilitation of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a thread material, and the loop is sewn into the end of the strap.
 13. A medical device for knee flexing and rehabilitation, comprising: an adjustable cradle to snugly engage and support the arch of a user's foot; first elongate handle that terminates with a loop to be gripped by a user's hand; a second elongate handle that terminates in a loop to be gripped by a user's hand; wherein the first and second handles, when pulled by the hands of the user, bend the knee into a more flexed position.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first and second handles comprise loop-forming fasteners that can cause a loop to be formed at the end of the handle, and can cause both handles to join together, forming a gripping loop.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the first and second handles are removably attached to the cradle.
 16. A method of performing knee rehabilitation, comprising: providing a size-wise adjustable foot support that substantially engages the arch of a patient's foot, and at least one elongate strap detachably attached to the foot support, the strap comprising a loop to allow a user to firmly grip the strap; snugly securing the support around the users foot by hook and loop attachment; pulling the strap in a manner that causes the foot to move toward the user's body; causing the knee to flex.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the support comprises a second strap to allow a user to use both hands when; and the step of pulling the foot toward the user's body.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein: the support comprises a second strap, and the second strap can be compatibly attached to the first strap, forming a larger loop with which the user can pull the foot toward the user's body. 